Alabama Tornadoes Kill Two, Injure Hundreds: Weather Warning Update

A state of emergency was issued in Birmingham, Ala., Monday, after tornadoes thundered into the area, killing two people and injuring hundreds, said Pat Curry, Jefferson County's chief deputy coroner.

Search and rescue teams have been combing through hard-hit areas, which have major damage, Bob Ammons of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency official told Reuters.

The most recent weather warning came from the National Weather Service at 2:18 p.m. (CST), canceling a flood warning at the Tallapoosa river in Wadley.

Levels have dropped below flood stage on the Tallapoosa River at Wadley.....and the flood warning is no longer in effect, the National Weather Service announced.

They warned people not to drive through flooded areas. Turn around...don't drown, this will be the last statement issued on this event.

The possibility of sporadic thunderstorms remains in the region, according to AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist, Henry Margusity.

A local fire department has estimated some 36 homes damaged, according to St. Clair County spokeswoman Katie Reese.

Food safety inspectors have been dispatched to inspect food damage to food in supermarkets.

Following the deadly tornadoes of 2011, Gov. Robert Bentley appointed a group to prepare a report on how the state can prepare better for tornadoes. The Tornado Recovery Action Council was supposed to present the report on Monday, but following the severe weather events of the morning, they have had to postpone the report's release.

The group is convinced that the report could have a large payoff, ensuring that the services will deliver a more effective and efficient approach the next time such a disaster strikes, Al.com reported.

To put the report together, they visited areas in the state that were directly affected. We asked residents and community leaders how they were warned about the storms, what they thought of the response and which direction they wanted to see their communities take for the future. Their feedback was invaluable. We also heard from people through our Web site and through the members of our council, the panel stated on its Web site.

Members of the team were also sent out to interview weather experts, non-profit leaders, response coordinators and building officials to offer their insight into the preparation report.

Last April 27, Alabama was hit by devastating tornadoes that killed 248 people and injured 2,000, wiping out more than 7,800 houses and leaving other areas in ruins, according to Al.com